If you got a whiff of sweet, BBQ-scented smoke downtown on Saturday, expect more. With the scissor-snip of a blue ribbon, Ward 1 Councilmember Sam Shoge and business owner William Holland officially opened Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Catering at the former Ellen’s Coffee Shop location in Philosopher’s Terrace plaza.
Phat Daddy’s Ribbon Cutting with Ward 1 Councilmember Sam Shoge and business owner William Holland
For Holland, the new location represents a counterpart to his decades-long mobile smoked food operation in Anne Arundel County and brought to the Eastern Shore in 2010 when he and his wife, Michelle, moved to Millington. Michelle operates Speedy Tax Services in Galena.
“I started out with informal cookouts for family and friends, then a few community and church events which eventually led to large catering opportunities like the Homeowners Association,” Holland says. From there, the business grew into larger catering events and he soon began traveling throughout the State as his brand grew more popular.
And all this while holding down a full-time job with Comcast and Atlantic Broadband and at one time as a booking officer with the Anne Arundel PD, an experience reflected by his business motto, “Securing the Flavor, Protecting the Taste,” a slogan credited to longtime friend Roslyn Hill.
Then the pandemic hit, the world closed, and businesses struggled to find ways to survive. Luckily for Holland, his mobile vending business became a go-to solution for people wanting restaurant style meals.
Holland says that he reached a turning point after losing his full-time job and decided to look around for a permanent location for his BBQ business.
With a hand from Kent County Economic Development Director Jamie Williams and a PPP grant, along with his life savings, Holland decided to take a leap of faith and open Phat Daddy’s BBQ and Catering. Except for electrical and plumbing, he and a few friends renovated the old coffee shop, even using deconstructed wooden pallets to repurpose as wall siding for a rustic feel.
Sheila Lomax, Pastor at Graves Chapel Millington, gives the blessing.
“I bet on me,” he says. I didn’t want to be dependent on the ups and downs of the corporate world. I want to be part of this great community. I’ve always been service-oriented and want to find creative ways to participate and support the community.”
Holland looks forward to growing the business through special events like Ravens Game Night and is looking forward to a coming up with creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving and other occasions. He expects to have a beer and wince license by the end of October
Oh, and the name? “When my daughter was a child I was trying to come up with a name for the business. One day she called out to me ‘fat daddy’—and that was it,” Holland says.
And yes, there is a secret recipe involved.
William Holland and crew, with Councilmember Sam Shoge at the opening of Phat Daddy’s.
Phat Daddy’s menu includes Italian sausages, pulled pork sandwich, pulled chicken sandwich, smoked barbecue ribs, smoked barbecue chicken, fish and chips. For his complete menu, see the Phat Daddy website here.
Holland also wants to get the word out that he’s looking for experienced wait staff and front counter employees.
Phat Daddy’s is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 am-7 pm. 443-282-0028
walter geddes says
Great news! We’ve been waiting for you to open! Can’t wait to try your food. It looks great!
Ron Jordan says
My wife and I came by the restaurant on the advice of my brother when he was in town getting a cut from Mr. Mix. We found the service friendly and precise. I am proud to see the former Ellen’s repurposed for a new business and an excellent product that Mr. Holland and his team has assembled. I am most proud to see a black owned business downtown Chestertown and that many members of the black community said was common long ago. As I watch with pleasure and delight new culinary delights populate our downtown, it brings all of us for fellowship with each other and that is the essence of a rural community that supports its businesses all of it’s business owners. Thank you Mr. Holland for picking Chestertown as the foundation of your new business enterprise.
Melinda Bookwalter says
YeAAY!
Sharon Cager-Best says
Congratulations Big Holly! I am so happy for you! You’ve been working on that BBQ thing for a long while & now look. May God Bless You & Your Business Overflow Forever!!
Carla Hynson says
This is just awesome news! I can’t wait to stop through and try some of my favorite menu items when I come through to visit with family and friends! Best wishes for your new business venture!
Nathalie Wilson says
Where r u located